Slogans Changed, Not Principles: Kalon Tripa

Dharamshala, May 20 – “A genuine nationality regional autonomy for all Tibetans”, the rallying cry of Kashag, is synonymous of what His Holiness the Dalai Lama has articulated as “a genuine autonomy for a democratic Tibet, composing all its three (traditional) provinces,” Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche told a packed hall of Tibetan NGOs and media people.

“I can downright say that there is no difference in the meaning of these two expressions,” while one envisages Tibets territory, the other its inhabitants, Kalon Tripa said, adding, “we cannot do without the status of a genuine nationality regional autonomy, as provided in the constitution of Peoples Republic of China, is granted to both “all three provinces” and “all Tibetans”.

“The policy of Middle-Way Approach pursued since 1979 will not change, nor should there be any foreboding of change. Because, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has already pronounced, in his statement on 10 March 2005, that as long as he is at the helm of Tibetan leadership, there shall be no change in his Middle-Way policy.”

Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche was addressing a query during an open public forum organized on Wednesday, 19 May, by the Tibetan Election Commission, on the election of the next Kalon Tripa. Kalon Trisur Juchen Thubten Namgyal, the only other contender for the second directly-elected Kalon Tripa, also addressed a wide range of questions during the forum.

When asked about the personal security of His Holiness, if he visits China, the Kalon Tripa said that, under the present circumstances, the Kashag could not in any way urge His Holiness to make this visit, even if the efficacy of such a visit is apparent.

As His Holiness himself has expressed his wish to make such a visit, and also conveyed the same through his envoys, we have full faith in the wisdom of His Holiness, the Kalon Tripa said. “Although the global politicians, including the Chinese, believe that the personal security of His Holiness is more assured in China and Tibet than in anywhere else, the Kashag can never, ever assume responsibility for His Holiness security [there].”

“His Holiness views this visit as very important, and we respect that. We are only facilitating him,” the Kalon Tripa added.

(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration.)